Cleveland Properties Could Face Eminent Domain

As a developer sets his sights on redeveloping some of Cleveland's Cuyahoga Riverfront, the state of Ohio is considering the use of eminent domain to secure the land and ensure the economic development it promises.

1 minute read

July 7, 2006, 11:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


In the wake of the Kelo vs. New London ruling, the state of Ohio is now considering taking advantage of the powers of eminent domain to stir economic activity in Cleveland. The plan for redevelopment involves seizing unblighted land and turning it into a major housing and retail project.

"Developer Scott Wolstein's $230 million plan, which includes 330 housing units and 250,000 square feet of retail space, appears to have more momentum. It's the kind of project that supporters say wouldn't happen in rust belt cities such as Cleveland without the use of eminent domain."

"Supporters say the tool can generate more taxes and jobs through redevelopment. All eyes are now on Ohio, the first state to hear a similar case since Kelo."

"Lawyers made their arguments in Norwood v. Horney on an appeal in the Ohio Supreme Court in January. The Cincinnati suburb filed against unblighted homes and businesses to make way for housing, offices and retail."

Sunday, July 2, 2006 in The Cleveland Plain Dealer

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 28, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A car drives through a puddle, making a large splash. Rain pours down.

California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour

If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.

October 28, 2026 - Grist

Lake Powell with much of the water evaporated.

Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River

Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.

October 30, 2026 - Yale Environment 360

: Construction of massive Samsung semiconductor fabrication plant

In Texas, data centers are swallowing promised parkland

Residents who moved to Taylor, Texas for a rural community now have to contend with three data centers in their backyard.

15 minutes ago - Inside Climate News

A construction crew working on SunZia.

How a Chicago-sized wind farm beat the odds and powered on

The project spanned five presidential administrations and a standoff with a U.S. military base.

1 hour ago - Grist

A rendering of the basketball court, a green court under a blue sky.

MTA gives itself 30 days to transform pit into basketball court

The site has been under construction since 2022; the city originally estimated it would finish the court in 2024.

2 hours ago - Gothamist